Baptism Talk

Congratulations on your decision to be baptized!! You are taking the

first major steps on the path to the Celestial Kingdom. It is such an
important step in this life, that even Jesus Christ was baptized to show
us the way!

The 4th Article of Faith tells us the 4 major steps we need to take to
make it back home to our Heavenly Father. 2 of them are things that
we “feel” or do in our hearts…and 2 of them are actions we physically
are required to do.
Do you know what they are?

The first is FAITH. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It means we TRUST
Heavenly Father’s plan of Happiness, and KNOW that Jesus Christ is
our Redeemer. That he died for us. And we UNDERSTAND that it is
only THROUGH Him that we can make it back to Heavenly Father!

Second is REPENTANCE. Because we are all not perfect, we make

mistakes. All of us, at one time or another, will sin. But as in the first
principle, we put our trust in Jesus Christ to wash away our sins
through repentance. After understanding what we did wrong, we
make amends. We apologize (to the person we hurt and also to
Heavenly Father) and then promise to not repeat that sin. This is an
ongoing process!! We must always be repenting in our hearts for the
things we do wrong…and always work at being better! This is life!

Now comes the first Ordinance of the Gospel. This is why we are here
today! BAPTISM. Why is Baptism important? This is a physical
symbol of our FAITH in Jesus Christ. This is how we PROVE to HIM that
we Trust his commandments and are trying to DO what is right!
Baptism is a COVENANT. That means, it is a PROMISE we make with
our Heavenly Father! What do we promise? DO YOU KNOW?

(Show Teddy Bear) To help you remember WHAT exactly you are
promising to do with Baptism, I have brought this Teddy Bear along. J

Do you know the story of the THREE BEARS?

Well, this is the THREE BEARS of BAPTISM.
1. “Bear” His Name-become Christians! To take HIS name upon
ourselves and stand as HIS disciples. In Mosiah 26:18, it reads:

“Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in
my name shall they be called; and they are mine.“

When we bear His name upon ourselves, we prove our loyalty to God,
and we are HIS.

2. “Bear Testimony”-We bear witness to those around us-our friends

and family-that we know Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is
our redeemer. That the Gospel, and His church-The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day saints-is the True church.

3. “Bear One Another’s Burdens” that they may be light-We

help each other in times of need, and do the things that Jesus Christ
would do if he were here on Earth-like being a friend, helping those
who need our help, and loving one another.

When we keep our promises, or Covenants, Heavenly Father promises

us something in return. This is the 4th Ordinance of the Gospel. Do
you know what that is? It is a special gift given to those who are
baptized, from our Heavenly Father! It is the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

(bring out present box) Just like you receive a present on your
birthday from your friends and families…Heavenly Father has
promised that if we keep our Covenants, the HOLY GHOST will always
be with us, and help us stay on the right path.

The Holy Ghost has many roles in our lives. Unlike Heavenly Father
and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost is a spirit. Which means He can dwell
within us at all times! And provide the help we need at any given
time.
In this gift box, are the different ways the Holy Ghost can help us, and
keep us on the right path to Heavenly Father.

1. CANDLE- Just like a candle provides light in dark places, the HOLY
GHOST can guide you when you are lost or unsure about what to do.
He can show you how to choose the right, and make righteous
decisions.

2. COMPASS-Just like a compass tells which way is North, South, East

or West; the Holy Ghost will always point you in the right direction.
When you can’t find your way through the challenges and problems at
school or with friends (or even with your family!!), the Holy Ghost will
always point you to the best solution to your problems.

3. BLANKET-When you’re cold or uncomfortable, a warm and fuzzy

blanket will make you feel better. Just like this blanket, when we are
feeling troubled or upset, the Holy Ghost can comfort us! He can
bring you peace and warmth to help you find the strength to press
forward and endure.

4. GLASSES-I have bad eyesight. I have to wear glasses like this.

Sometimes, in life, things get blurry and we don’t know what’s right
and what’s wrong! Just like these glasses help focus my vision, the
Holy Ghost can help us focus on the truth! He can help us see clearly
when we feel confused or unsure.

5. SOAP-When we get dirty from playing outside, soap can wash away
all the dirt and grime from our bodies. Now, today when you get
baptized, you will be washed clean of all your sins up until this point!
You’ll be the most clean people in the entire chapel!! But, as you go
home and back to school…there will probably come a time when you
don’t make the best decisions. You’ll make a mistake or two…or
maybe even more! As we repent, the Holy Ghost will always be there
in our hearts, to purify the sins we have made.

6. SEASHELL-If you listen to the inside of a seashell…you can hear the

faint sound of the ocean. It’s not loud, but quiet and peaceful! Just
like the soft sound of the ocean in this seashell, the Holy Ghost speaks
to us with a Still Small Voice-a very quiet voice in our hearts. We have
to always listen and pay attention…but if we do, the Holy Ghost will
always speak to us this way.
He will TESTIFY of JESUS CHRIST! He will help you to gain a stronger
Testimony of the truthfulness of this Gospel, and the power of the
Atonement.

Like I said, this wonderful gift of the HOLY GHOST is something that
NO ONE can take away from you. The only way you can lose it, is if
you don’t follow through on your promises (remember the 3 bears!)

I want to bear my testimony of the Truthfulness of this Gospel. I

KNOW that the ordinance of Baptism that all of you are about to do-is
the starting line of the race to the Celestial Kingdom. That when we
do the things Heavenly Father has asked us to do-to keep his
commandments, to take upon us HIS name, to share the gospel, and
to love one another-that we are able to move closer and closer to that
finish line which is ETERNAL LIFE! Which is the goal of all of here on
Earth! This is the Church of Jesus Christ. And He is SO proud of the
decision you have made this day!
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.